Funds available to spay/neuter large dogs for free

November 30, 2012|By Lorene Parshall, Staff Writer

Otsego County — Owners of dogs that weigh 40 pounds and over can now receive financial assistance for getting their pets spayed or neutered, thanks to a grant awarded to Friends For Life of Otsego County.

The grant was written by Jamie Shelters, president of the group. Shelters became involved in the program because of her love for dogs and a commitment she made when one of her dogs was near death.

“My LadyBell was poisoned by the pet food made in China that was recalled in 2007,” Shelters said. “I took her to Michigan State University (Veterinary Hospital). As I sat there waiting to find out if she’d live, I made a promise to myself that if she was O.K., I would make it my life’s mission to save dogs’ lives.”

LadyBell was okay and is alive today. By coincidence or fate, also waiting that day at Michigan State University, and sitting next to her were Don and Sharon Tober, two members of the group that founded the original Friends For Life.

Shelters sees the services that Friends for Life provides as one major way to save the lives of pets.

“I feel there is a step before utilizing euthanasia for pet control population, and that is spaying and neutering,” she said. “Friends For Life’s primary purpose is to assist community members with the cost of spaying and neutering their pets."

Since 2005, with the staff of the Otsego County Animal Control helping to spread the word, Friends for Life has raised enough funds to assist with the spaying or neutering of more than 1,900 cats and dogs.

The most recent grant the group received for assisting in the spaying and neutering of large breed dogs are funds that need to be used soon.

Interested large dog owners should contact Friends for Life. After supplying the necessary information the owner will receive a voucher for the procedure. The owner will then make an appointment with one of the participating clinics, either Hall Veterinary Clinic, 314 Center Ave., or Gaylord Veterinary Hospital, 1893 US-27 North.

For more details or to request financial assistance, call Shelters at 989-614-6437 or at jamieshelters@gmail.com.

For more information about Friends for Life, visit www.fflotsegocounty.org and follow the link to their Facebook page to learn about upcoming events.